Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Websites
Certification
References
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Michela Trolese

Michela Trolese

West Beach,South Africa

Summary

Strategic revenue and distribution leader with extensive experience in driving commercial performance within the hospitality sector. Strong background in optimizing operational processes, aligning cross-functional teams, and supporting sustainable growth. Skilled in strategic planning, team leadership, and stakeholder collaboration to enhance business performance and profitability.

Overview

29
29
years of professional experience
8
8
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Director of Revenue and Distributions – Africa

Valor Hospitality Partners
Cape Town, South Africa
03.2025 - Current

Leading revenue and distribution strategy across the African portfolio. Responsible for strategic pricing, distribution optimization, forecasting and commercial alignment across multiple properties and market segments. Champion cross-functional collaboration to maximize market share and long-term revenue value.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Executive oversight of pricing and forecasting strategy across a diverse portfolio.
  • Development of distribution frameworks and channel governance to optimize yield.
  • Leadership of revenue and reservations teams to ensure alignment and operational excellence.
  • Strategic integration of rate, forecasting, and demand analytics into commercial planning.
  • Oversight of reporting frameworks and performance tracking for owners and executive stakeholders.

Commercial Manager

Valor Hospitality Partners
Cape Town, Western Cape
10.2014 - 02.2025

Provided commercial leadership and revenue guidance across multiple managed properties. Worked with General Managers and operational leaders to align revenue strategy with financial planning and forecasting.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Delivered structured forecasting processes and commercial frameworks.
  • Provided commercial guidance to on-property revenue leadership and cross-functional teams.
  • Conducted system audits and reporting integrity reviews.
  • Contributed to feasibility studies and commercial repositioning strategies.
  • Supported distribution channel strategy and rate architecture alignment.

Revenue Manager

One&Only Cape Town
Cape Town, Western Cape
01.2011 - 09.2014

Developed and executed revenue strategy for a leading luxury property. Delivered structured forecasting and pricing strategies while supporting sales and marketing alignment.

Revenue Manager

African Pride – 15 on Orange Hotel
Cape Town
09.2009 - 12.2010

Oversaw revenue and reservations performance. Led reservations operations and supported pricing strategy aligned with competitive positioning and market segmentation.

Revenue Manager

Sun International – The Table Bay Hotel
Cape Town
09.2008 - 09.2009

Managed reservations and revenue performance for a flagship luxury property, contributing to forecasting accuracy and distribution strategy.

Rooms Merchandising Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
Sun City Resort
02.2004 - 08.2005

Projects Positional – Rooms Division Manager

Sun International, Namibia & South Africa
06.2003 - 02.2004

Complex Front Office Manager

The Falls Resort & Convention Centre, Sun International, Zambia
Zambia
03.2001 - 03.2003

Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
03.2000 - 03.2001

Senior Assistant Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
01.1999 - 03.2000

Assistant Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
02.1997 - 03.1998

Education

Hotel Management Certificate -

Technikon Free State
01.1994 - 01.1997

Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) -

CoStar Group SHARE Center
12.2024 - 12.2029

Skills

Strategic Revenue & Pricing Leadership
Executive Commercial Strategy & Business Planning
Demand Forecasting & Financial Acumen
Distribution & Channel Governance
Group & Transient Mix Optimization
Reservations Leadership (Individual & Group)
Market Intelligence & Competitive Positioning
Revenue Analytics & Executive Reporting

Certification

  • Revenue Management & Pricing Strategy Workshops
  • Advanced Data Analytics for Hotel Managers
  • Leadership & Team Development Programs

References

Available upon request.

Languages

English
Fluent

Timeline

Director of Revenue and Distributions – Africa

Valor Hospitality Partners
03.2025 - Current

Certification in Hotel Industry Analytics (CHIA) -

CoStar Group SHARE Center
12.2024 - 12.2029

Commercial Manager

Valor Hospitality Partners
10.2014 - 02.2025

Revenue Manager

One&Only Cape Town
01.2011 - 09.2014

Revenue Manager

African Pride – 15 on Orange Hotel
09.2009 - 12.2010

Revenue Manager

Sun International – The Table Bay Hotel
09.2008 - 09.2009

Rooms Merchandising Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
02.2004 - 08.2005

Projects Positional – Rooms Division Manager

Sun International, Namibia & South Africa
06.2003 - 02.2004

Complex Front Office Manager

The Falls Resort & Convention Centre, Sun International, Zambia
03.2001 - 03.2003

Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
03.2000 - 03.2001

Senior Assistant Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
01.1999 - 03.2000

Assistant Front Office Manager

Sun City Resort, Sun International, South Africa
02.1997 - 03.1998

Hotel Management Certificate -

Technikon Free State
01.1994 - 01.1997
Michela Trolese